BOG 2016: Constantiner Prize Awarded to Center for a Shared Society

From left: Head of the Jaime and Joan Constantiner School of Education Prof. David Mioduser, Executive Director of Givat Haviva Yaniv Sagee, Dr. Arturo and Caren Constantiner and Dean of Humanities Prof. Leo Corry

Delegates, educators and Tel Aviv University leaders attended the annual Dr. Jaime Constantiner Prize in Jewish Education Award Ceremony at Tel Aviv University, which this year honored The Center for a Shared Society at Givat Haviva for its “consistent activities since the establishment of the State of Israel to advance education, peace and social solidarity between different sectors of Israel.”

The Award, bestowed annually on a person or an organization working to bring Jewish traditions and texts into the 21st century, honors the late Dr. Jaime Constantiner, formerly Deputy Chairman of Tel Aviv University's Board of Governors. A crusader for many Jewish causes, Dr. Constantiner was a longtime supporter of Israel and TAU, and his family has continued his legacy by awarding an annual prize in education in his name.

Dr. Arturo Constantiner, his son, a member of TAU's Board of Governors and American Friends of TAU’s Board of Directors, attended the ceremony this year with his wife Caren Constantiner. The event, held at the Jaime and Joan Constantiner School of Education, was also attended by TAU Rector Prof. Yaron Oz, Head of the School of Education Prof. David Mioduser, Dean of Humanities Leo Corry, TAU faculty and students and Givat Haviva educators.

“Whereas technology in this country is booming, there has been a rise in violence and intolerance, rendering this prize, which places an emphasis on humanities and education, crucial,” said Prof. Oz. “I want to thank Dr. Constantiner and the entire Constantiner family for this very important prize.”

“I have never taken for granted the Constantiners’ deep-seated commitment and strong belief in the future,” added Prof. Corry, TAU Dean of Humanities. “Givat Haviva is being honored today for its consistent efforts toward Jewish-Arab cooperation and investment in Jewish education.”

The Executive Director of Givat Haviva, Yaniv Sagee, himself an alumnus of TAU, accepted the award on behalf of the Center for a Shared Society. “We are so honored to be in the footsteps of others who received this prize,” he said. “What makes us worthy of such of prize is what we do, day in and day out, providing education for a shared society that actively brings Jewish and Arab young adults together.

“Our values – Zionism, Judaism, Socialism and Self-Realization – propel us forward toward a sustainable, thriving Israeli democracy based on mutual responsibility, civic equality and a shared vision of the future,” Sagee continued. He also recognized his Givat Haviva colleagues in the audience and applauded each for their efforts.

“Jewish education is crucial to maintaining togetherness, tradition, Zionism and even a little bit of religion,” said Dr. Constantiner, giving the ceremony’s closing remarks. “Thank you to the university, specifically to Prof. Malka Margalit, who first opened her eyes to the love of my parents, and to the School members here today. I congratulate you, Yaniv, for doing such a fantastic job and for your efforts toward great achievements. Congratulations to all of Givat Haviva.”